So, are you starting to think about some New Year’s resolutions for 2011? The start of the new year is always a perfect time to reflect upon your life results over the past year, then make firm resolutions to adjust/fix what needs attention. It is probably the one time every year that most people actually engage in some time of goal setting, and if it takes the calender year changing to force that action, then so be it.
I know lots of people that refuse to make resolutions each December. I’m not sure if it’s laziness or just a lack of self-belief, which is basically just another way of saying they are afraid that they won’t stick to their convictions and experience the pain of failure. So, they choose to not even participate.
Often times the key to acheiving the goals we set for ourselves in the coming year comes down to changing or adjusting our habits. If we can find a way to replace our negative habits with productive ones that move us toward our goals, then success in acheiving our desired outcome is almost certain.
But how do we do that? One of the resources I plan on utilizing to keep myself honest and on track in 2011 is a free online tool I came across called HabitForge. It is a slick little tool that allows you to set daily habits you would like to implement in your life, then sends you a reminder daily via email. HabitForge also has a built-in way to hold you accountable as well.
Another important factor in any type of goal setting is making your goals measurable. If we have concrete numbers in place with which to measure our progress by, we have a much better chance of using that information to help us stay on track. For instance, let me share with you what my goals are for this blog in 2011.
- Make at least one blog post per week (reviews, information, instruction, etc.)
- Increase unique visitors from 50 to 1000 per day (ok, bold … but I’m aiming high!)
- Stay on track with my mission statement (stated on the “About” page)
By stating my goals in terms of measurable numbers, I can now monitor my progress throughout the year and make changes if I find myself lagging behind. If I simply stated my goals in vague terms like “get more traffic”, I’d have no way of knowing if I was on track and making progress.
If you’d like, please comment below and put your New Year’s resolutions in print. It’s a great way to “put yourself out there” and hold yourself accountable!
More New Year’s resolutions 2011 chatter from around the web:
Top 10 Twitter New Years Resolutions for 2011
New Years Eve is the time for promises to go to the gym that fizzle out in three weeks, renewed commitments to diets that are given up by Valentine’s Day, and predictions about the end of the world that (sadly) are never realized.
Publish Date: 12/28/2010 14:00
http://www.socialtimes.com/2010/12/top-10-twitter-new-years-resolutions-for-2011/
New Year’s Resolutions: 10 Resolutions To Make And Keep In 2011
New Year’s resolutions are a bit like babies: They’re fun to make but extremely difficult to maintain.


Publish Date: 12/29/2010 8:43
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/29/new-years-resolutions-_n_801991.html
New Year’s Resolutions That Will Improve Your Finances in 2011 …
Every year, we resolve to lose weight, eat healthy, excercize, quit smoking… you get the idea. But while our bodily well-being is no doubt important, what about our financial health? Below are a few New Year’s resolutions that, …
Publish Date: 12/27/2010 14:19
http://www.mint.com/blog/goals/new-years-resolutions-12272010/
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I have been a student and active participant in the field of personal development my entire adult life. Over time, I've been able to break free from mediocrity, depression, negative habits and sub-standard results in my life through the self improvement strategies and concepts you’ll find at ScottCofer.com. 
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Another tool that’s new to me. HabitForge. hmmm. I don’t like resolutions, but I always seem to subconsciously make them anyway. This year I want to learn German (finally)! There, I said it.
Yes, just heard about it myself, Keith. Give it a shot … it’ll hold you accountable to your linguistic endevours!
My resolution for this year is boiled down to simplification in every aspect of my life. As much as I like technology, the first thing I did was to get rid of my iPhone and go with a regular phone again. I saved a lot of money on my monthly bill and the quality of the new phone is actually better than the iPhone. I still use the iPhone and it’s apps whenever I’m around wi-fi. Clutter around my house is the second thing I’m attacking. Thanks for the heads up about HabitForge.
You’re welcome Steve. HabitForge is a great tool. I’m right in line with you, my friend … simplification is #1 on my list as well. I’ve gotten to the point where it’s extremely difficult to “get everything done”, and the only solution I could come up with was to streamline and de-clutter my life and daily schedule. The house? Now that’s a project in and of itself!
Thanks for stopping by … much appreciated.
- Scott